Photos by Andrew Davison
Clarion Canada has once again embarked on the dauntless task of taking their latest products on a cross-country product launch tour, and we were invited to drop in to the event while they were in Toronto.
Clarion has made some significant changes for 2011 with the announcement of distribution for Clifford security and convenience products, Drive N Talk Bluetooth communication devices and Bassworx subwoofer enclosure for eastern Canada. They also announced that the Wirez line of mobile installation products has been expanded with more components and premium products.
The tour is going to make 4 stops – first in Edmonton, then Vancouver, Toronto and will end in Quebec. Each location was chosen to centralize their presence with their local dealers to minimize additional travel.
Clarion set up a trade-show style event in each location, which included two of their massive and impressive computerized car audio display boards, a marine display, a tower of subwoofer enclosures, all the Wirez and Drive N Talk products and Bassworx enclosures in Toronto and Quebec.
What made the tour memorable was the ‘Science Center’ approach they took. There were real-time 
demonstrations and comparisons of Clarion subwoofer and overhead monitor performance, Wirez sound deadening, RCA noise rejection and stiffening cap performance. For example the sound deadening demonstration featured 4 full-size car doors set up with and without sound deadening and with stock and Clarion speakers. A centralized command center, complete with automotive style heated seats served as the heart for four of the demonstrations including the sound deadening. Being able to hear the difference the effect of sound deadening made on both stock and aftermarket speakers and the flick of a switch was impressive, and reinforced what we all knew and believed to be true.
It was impressive to see Clarion take such an active interested in engaging their dealers from both a 
purchasing side as well as a technical side. All dealers were invited to have their salespeople and installers visit the show to see all the new products and experience the demonstrations. Following in Clarion tradition, they even threw a carrot at their dealers to entice some additional booking – a very cool BBQ that looks like a car engine. We tried to steal it – but at 300+ lbs, we didn’t get far.
Clarion Canada clearly takes their marketing seriously, and we were honored to be invited to visit the show and take part. This has to be one of the most memorable car audio events we’ve attended.
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